Granular Sorbents for Passive Environment Protection System during Severe Accidents with Total Loss of Power Supply at NPPs

Alexey A Bessonov,Natalya A Konovalova,Sergey A Kulyukhin,Lubov V Mizina,Igor A Rumer

doi:10.4236/jpee.2015.34005

Alexey A Bessonov, Natalya A Konovalova + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.4236/jpee.2015.34005

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Abstract

Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences has developed some novel sorbents designed for the filter units of the passive filtration system for radioactive discharge from the intercontainment space during heavy accidents with a complete loss of electricity supply at nuclear power plants. These are granulated sorbents based on large-pore silica gel containing nanometric particles of Ag or Ag-Ni compounds (trademark Fizkhimin). The sorbents allow to remove various radioactive iodine species (inorganic ones and methyl iodide) from a steam-gas phase with at least 104 decontamination factor. The high sorption properties of Fizkhimin sorbent with Ag particles were confirmed during tests at a test facility of the TUV Sudwest company (Karlsruhe, Germany). This passive filtration system is installed at the 1st and 2nd units of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (India) and it is unique in the world practice.

Highlights

The problem of reliable environmental protection measures in the event of severe nuclear power plant accidents appears to be an important factor restraining the development of nuclear energy
In accordance with the general requirements for safety systems, alongside active ventilation systems for intercontainment space, nuclear power plants should include a passive ventilation system, which can be used during hypothetical severe accident with a complete loss of power supply
Steam-air mixture containing radioactive aerosols and flying fission products removal from an intercontainment space is passed through the special filtering module (Figure 1)

Summary

Introduction

The problem of reliable environmental protection measures in the event of severe nuclear power plant accidents appears to be an important factor restraining the development of nuclear energy. Due to leakage through non-airtight sectors of the containment the radioactive steam-air mixture may penetrate to the other areas of plants, such as the intercontainment space, technical and service zones and than from these areas to the environment. (2015) Granular Sorbents for Passive Environment Protection System during Severe Accidents with Total Loss of Power Supply at NPPs. Journal of Power and Energy Engineering, 3, 29-34.

Results

Conclusion